Excellence in design is a primary goal for all NIH design and construction projects. A commitment to quality by the design and management team is necessary to achieve this goal. Quality architectural and interior design can have a direct impact on improving the facility’s operating efficiency, attractiveness, life-cycle economics, and, ultimately, the productivity of the facility users. Design excellence does not add to project costs, but does
require a balanced approach to design, which optimizes the functionality, aesthetics, quality, and maintainability of facilities.

Designs should consider architectural compatibility with the NIH campus and NIH Master Plan objectives, functional requirements, economy of construction, energy conservation, interior and exterior details, and life-cycle costs. Facility designs should address the needs of all users of the facility and enhance the lives of these users while providing the latest state-of-the-art features to further the goals and objectives of the NIH throughout this century. For additional requirements specific to biomedical research laboratories and animal research facilities, see the applicable first two volumes of the NIH Design Policy and Guidelines.

On this page:

D.1 Building Design
D.2 Exterior Design Guidance
D.3 Structural Considerations
D.4 Interior Elements
D.5 Equipment and Furnishings
D.6 Loading Docks
D.7 Mail Cluster Box and Drop Box Systems
D.8 Door Hardware

D.1 Building Design

D.1.1 Design Modules: Modular design should be considered where appropriate. The building module used must consider the fire protection requirements, which require that each level be subdivided into smoke zones in accordance with the requirements of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 101.

D.1.2 Functional Design: Floor plan shapes should be simple and functional so as not to restrict flexibility. Narrow or irregular floor shapes should be avoided. Permanent plan elements, such as mechanical shafts, stairways, and reinforced concrete vaults, should be located to minimize their impact on functional use areas or future expansion of critical areas.

D.1.3 Building Circulation: Adequate circulation space should be provided at points of traffic congestion. Architectural features should emphasize overall circulation patterns and major entrances to departments. Circulation throughout the building should be efficient and direct without being restrictive. Clearly defined horizontal and vertical circulation routes for people, equipment, supplies, research animals, waste disposal, and maintenance and repair activities are needed to ensure security and safety. Service corridor circulation, ghost corridor circulation between laboratories, and primary circulation patterns between department functions, laboratories, offices, and animal or lab support spaces shall be clearly addressed early in the design process. The location of stairways and transition ramps shall be studied at connections between buildings with different floor-to-floor heights. Circulation should be made more efficient by:

• Avoiding confusing hallway systems and the extension of through corridors from department to department.
• Avoiding horseshoe shapes in major corridor systems that require excessive walking distances.
• Avoiding dead-end departmental corridors.
• Minimizing the use of single-loaded corridors.
• Eliminating major corridors through elevator lobbies or through other areas that tend to concentrate circulating personnel.
• Locating vertical transportation element(s) so that they are easily visible from major entrances.

For additional guidance on determining corridor width, see NIH Manual Chapter 1361 – Corridor Utilization, dated April 29, 1998.

D.1.4 Massing Design: Consideration should be given to the visual impact of any new structure, especially to a new addition on an existing building, and to the massing effect on surrounding views.

D.1.5 Integration of Building Systems Design: Integration of Building Systems (IBS) concepts shall be applied to the design of all new biomedical and animal research facilities and, when warranted, to the design of other facility types on the basis of size or complexity. IBS design involves the coordinated design of all elements of a building, integrating the functional, architectural, accessible, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection,
energy, telecommunications, and other features into a unified whole. All design elements are recognized as essential to a successful facility design and, as such, are to be treated simultaneously and with equal weight. The primary objective of an integrated design approach is to achieve a building with optimum functionality, flexibility, adaptability, appearance, and maintainability. Inherent in IBS design for biomedical and animal research facilities is the precept that maintenance traffic and maintenance activities are minimized within functional areas through the careful location of equipment rooms and utility services. Equally important is the assurance of proper installation and maintainability of primary and distribution equipment through careful consideration and coordination of envelope space requirements. Utility system space planning must occur simultaneously with overall site and facility functional planning.

D.1.6 Floor-to-Floor Height Design: Determination of finished-floor to finished-floor heights in all facilities is a multidisciplinary task. Adequate space must be included in all above-ceiling space for coordination, installation, and maintenance of building service systems such as mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and telecommunications distribution systems, unique structural considerations, and utility piping. Elements requiring special ceiling heights should be grouped together to the greatest extent possible and on the fewest floors consistent with proper functional design.

D.1.7 Future Expansion Considerations: Expansion of expensive existing departments can often be coupled with relocation of lower cost functions. Placing departments on outside walls with adjacent site space available for expansion also adds future flexibility. Corridor patterns can enhance circulation and flexibility. Adequate access to general circulation is needed for each department to facilitate visitor, patient, staff, and material traffic. Open plans, where feasible, allow easy departmental change. Floor plans that encircle a department with permanent corridors, stairs, mechanical rooms, or other building elements difficult to relocate should be avoided.

Functional elements should be grouped in accordance with the following objectives. Where difficulties arise in the mutual accommodation of both of the following objectives, the objective stated in item 1 below shall be given priority.

1. Elements should be combined on the basis of functional adjacency requirements to facilitate better functional flow and reduced operating and staff costs.
2. Elements with similar electrical, mechanical, and structural requirements should be combined to facilitate savings in construction costs.

Consistent with proper functional adjacency planning, soft-functional areas (areas with minimal amounts of plumbing, special finishes, special mechanical features, and special power demands) should be placed between hard-functional areas (areas with appreciable plumbing, special finishes, special mechanical features, and special power demands) to permit future growth of the hard-functional areas by relocation of the less costly softfunctional areas.

Column-free functional areas should be ensured where possible while minimizing the use of transfer beams. Vertical column compatibility shall be provided in multi-story facilities. Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and other support systems should be designed to permit modifications in support of scientific and medical functional changes with the least life-cycle cost and least disruption to the overall operations. Utility areas shall be located to ensure cost-effective connections to site utilities and efficient distribution to functional areas. To enhance and improve utility distribution, stack similar utility areas vertically in multi-story facilities to the greatest extent possible. Provide adequate space for all required code safety clearances as well as for maintenance and repair operations within utility spaces. Additional information relative to utility requirements is contained in the Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, and Communications sections of the General Design Guidelines.

D.1.8 Air Infiltration: All new construction and projects that substantially alter the building envelope shall be designed to minimize air infiltration at locations separating the outdoors from interior conditioned spaces. Windows and doors shall be weather-stripped. Exterior joints, cracks, and holes in the building envelopes should be designed to be caulked, gasketed, weather-stripped, or otherwise sealed. All new construction and buildings that are
substantially altered must include airlock vestibules or revolving doors at all primary entrances and exits to reduce infiltration due to stack draft effect.

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D.2 Exterior Design Guidance

Exterior elevations shall be compatible with the styles of previously constructed permanent facilities of the campus and with the elements proposed in the NIH Master Plan. To ensure compatibility, the physical features of the site and the character and style of any surrounding building(s) should be observed and documented by the design team. Colors, textures, and forms of existing buildings or other site features must be considered when developing elevations for new construction. Elevations should be developed on the basis of functional relationships and requirements and, where possible, should take advantage of existing and developed site assets.

D.2.1 Exterior Building Materials: Exterior cladding must meet engineering standards with respect to the environment, energy use, materials, and methods of construction. In selecting building materials, careful consideration must be given to all technical criteria and the requirement for high durability and minimal maintenance.

D.2.1.1 Exterior Elements: Mechanical, electrical, transportation, and equipment items that are located along the exterior of the facility should be integrated into the design wherever possible. These elements include air intake/exhaust vents, exterior lights, utility connections, plumbing vents, fuel tank vents, liquid oxygen tanks, transformers, trash compactors, containers, and loading docks.

D.2.1.2 Wall Thickness: Placement of the wall in relation to the structure impacts the construction cost, fenestration shading, exterior materials, thermal performance, and method of assembly. Careful consideration must be given during the design process to developing the optimum wall thickness that satisfies the above elements in the most costeffective manner.

D.2.1.3 Design Characteristics: The design characteristics of wall schemes should be evaluated for aesthetics, functionality, and cost-effectiveness, since their characteristics relate to the following:

• Exterior wall termination at the roof or the top of parapet walls (including penthouses).
• Construction and control joint locations, considering their impact on sterile areas, construction sequence, and building movement due to expansion and contraction.
• Corner conditions, especially material relationships at the intersections of vertical planes and the continuity of wall supports and flashings.
• Load transfer of the wall to the structure, including consideration of structural frame exposure and lateral wall supports.
• Watertight design, including sealant profiles, material adjacencies, and flashing configuration.
• Window placement relative to the wall, secondary connection requirements, material adjacencies, window-washing, glass type and thickness, and life safety hardware.

D.2.1.4 Thermal Resistance: The thermal characteristics of single materials or wall assemblies shall be obtained from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air- Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Handbook of Fundamentals or from manufacturers’ certified technical information. Thermal resistance (R) values shall be identified for each element in the building shell. “U” factor calculations shall be prepared following recommended procedures as documented in the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals.

D.2.1.5 Moisture Migration: All new construction and projects that substantially alter the building envelope shall be designed to prevent moisture migration and condensation of water vapor within the envelope assembly. Moisture decreases insulation performance and can be a contributing factor to structural deterioration. Designs must incorporate the principles of the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals chapter titled “Moisture in Building
Construction.” Dew point calculations shall be prepared following recommended design procedures in the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals. Dew point consideration will determine where condensation will occur within the wall assembly and what problems will be generated by its presence at specific points during freeze-thaw cycles. A vapor drive analysis shall also be provided.

D.2.2 Exterior Wall Compositions: Exterior wall compositions should be based on durability, thermal performance, vapor barrier requirements, and aesthetic requirements as they relate to the campus environment, cost, and, in some cases, historic considerations.

D.2.2.1 Masonry: Design and construction shall be based on standards, specifications, and publications for the products selected, including those by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American Concrete Institute (ACI), Building Stone Institute, Indiana Limestone Institute of America, Marble Institute of America, National Building Granite Quarries Association, National Concrete Masonry Association, Brick Industry Association, and Portland Cement Association.

D.2.2.2 Curtain Walls: Design and construction shall be based on standards, specifications, and publications for the products selected, including those by the ASTM, American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Aluminum Association (AA), American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), ACI, Metal Lath/Steel Framing Association, National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers, National Concrete Masonry Association, National Precast Concrete Association, Portland Cement Association, Precast Concrete Institute, and Brick Industry Association.

D.2.2.3 Brick Selection Committee: The NIH has a review committee called the Brick Selection Committee, which reviews project brick panels for their match to existing brickwork. The Project Officer is responsible for ensuring that the requirements in the Brick Selection Committee Guidelines are incorporated into the project drawings and specifications. For construction of new buildings, the Project Officer shall consult with the Brick Selection Committee and the NIH Master Planner early in the design process when brick is proposed.

D.2.3 Windows and Glazing: Appearance, function, heat gain and loss, air infiltration, safety, structural requirements, suitability for the environment, operation and maintenance experience, and life-cycle cost should be considered when selecting windows, doors, skylights, and glazing. Stock sizes should be used to the maximum extent practicable.

D.2.3.1 Thermal Performance of Windows, Exterior Doors, Glazed Panels, and Skylights: The use of glass must be carefully studied in relation to energy conservation goals and building function. Additional requirements are provided in General Design Guidelines, Section: Sustainable Design. All new windows, glazed exterior doors, glazed panels, and skylights shall be double-glazed with a continuous thermal break. Condensation should not be apparent on glass when the indoor design temperature is 22 °C at 30 percent relative humidity. All windows, glazed exterior doors, glazed panels, and skylights should have energy performance rating factors as evaluated in accordance with the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) procedures to minimize air infiltration. The following average unit performance factors apply to NIH facilities:

NIH Campus, Bethesda, Maryland, Including Surrounding Areas, and Raleigh- Durham, North Carolina, Facilities: Thermal performance for windows, glazed exterior doors, and glazed panels should be 2.271 W/(m² K) (0.40 U). Thermal performance for skylights should be 2.555 W/(m² K) (0.45 U). Solar heat gain for all fenestration types should be 3.123 W/(m² K) (0.55 U). Products with a higher visible transmittance to maximize daylight and view should be selected.

Hamilton, Montana, Facilities: Thermal performance for windows, glazed exterior doors, and glazed panels should be 1.987 W/(m² K) (0.35 U). Thermal performance for skylights should be 2.555 W/(m² K) (0.45 U). Solar heat gain is not applicable. Products with a higher visible transmittance to maximize daylight and view should be selected.

D.2.3.2 Windows: Fenestration shall be designed considering NFPA codes, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning requirements, aesthetic appearance, and the comfort of all users of the facility. Window design and construction should be based on the standards, guidelines, and publications of the ASTM, ANSI, AA, American Architectural Manufacturers Association, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Steel Window Institute.

D.2.3.2.1 Provisions for Window Cleaning: The need for window cleaning and maintenance, including replacement of glazing, shall be considered during design. Provisions for window-cleaning equipment must be included in the design for all facilities.

D.2.3.2.2 Operable Windows: Operable windows are not permitted in NIH research laboratory and animal research facility buildings. The use of operable windows may be evaluated on the basis of building function, quality of life, and code-related issues in other building types. Operable windows may be considered only when they offer the potential for significant energy savings by using natural ventilation, when they do not compromise the mechanical system design, and when the use of natural ventilation can be seamlessly integrated with the HVAC system design. Project documentation shall substantiate any proposal to use operable windows.

D.2.3.2.3 Windows for Historic Buildings: Projects affecting windows of historic buildings shall be guided by the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. Prior to designing replacements of windows in historic
buildings, the Project Officer shall consult with the NIH Federal Preservation Officer.

D.2.3.3 Glazing: Glazing for windows, doors, glazed panels, skylights, and curtain walls shall meet the requirements for energy conservation identified in General Design Guidelines, Section: Sustainable Design. All glazing designs should be evaluated for aesthetics, building function, energy conservation goals, shading characteristics, light transmittance, thermal characteristics, and reflectance. Low-emissivity (low-E) insulating glass shall be used unless other glazing types are shown to be more cost-effective. Care must be taken to evaluate each building elevation individually. Glass sizes and thickness shall be based on wind loading and thermal conditions of the geographic area where the building is located.

D.2.3.3.1 Glazing for Impact Safety: Because of the size and shape of glazing in some locations, glass panels may be mistaken for a means of entry or exit and therefore may be subject to human impact. The requirements of ANSI Standard Z97.1, NFPA 80, and NFPA 101 shall be followed. Sill heights less than 760 mm above the finished floor must have an intermediate horizontal mullion, or suitable alternative, included in the fenestration or design at that height. If laminated glass is required for double-glazed windows with a sill/stool less than 2 000 mm above the finished floor (AFF) and for windows facing a courtyard, a laminated glass interior pane and tempered glass exterior pane shall be provided. If laminated glass is required for double-glazed windows, it shall be provided for interior panes only.

D.2.4 Roofing: Roofing systems shall be compatible with structural framing systems and provide a complete, readily repairable, waterproof assembly. The system should be durable and require minimal maintenance and must provide the fire ratings and classifications required. Warranties shall be provided for various types of roof systems based on specific NIH input during design. Roofing systems shall be designed in accordance with the recommendations of the National Roofing Contractors Association Roofing and Waterproofing Manual, Factory Mutual Guidelines, ASTM Specifications and Tests and Methods, NIST, and Underwriters Laboratories. On all new construction, the roofing system shall be designed for resistance to wind uplift forces.

The use of roof penetrations should be minimized to the greatest extent possible. Penetrations shall not be installed in valleys or near drains or scuppers. When roof-mounted equipment is used, the equipment should provide the lowest profiles for the application used. The supports shall be designed for the equipment size and weight, for ease of a complete re-roofing process without disturbing the equipment, and for construction in a manner so as not to violate the waterproof integrity of the roofing materials. All roofs shall be designed with a positive slope to roof drains or gutters. Roof slope shall not be less than 21 mm/m. Consideration for future vertical expansion of the building should be incorporated in the roofing design on a project-by-project basis. All roofs shall provide for emergency overflow through the use of scuppers.

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D.3 Structural Considerations

D.3.1 Exterior Walls Faced With Brick: If a building façade will be faced with brick or concrete masonry facing units, the preferred backup across the cavity is concrete masonry units (CMUs). If cost/benefit analysis indicates substantial savings by using metal studs, utilize Brick Industry Association standards for wall durability. Anchorage of the brick facing shall be designed so as not to be subject to corrosion at the fastener-to-metal-stud location.
Ensure that the wall will not flex when subjected to location-indicated wind loads.

D.3.1.1 Expansion Joints: Horizontal and vertical expansion joints and relieving angles for cavity wall face brick shall be located, sized, and detailed in accordance with the recommendations of the Brick Industry Association. In addition to the Brick Industry Association recommendations, buildings constructed of steel or concrete framing must have a horizontal relieving angle at each floor. Bearing-wall buildings three stories or shorter may not require horizontal relieving angles depending on total building height. If relieving angles are required, one shall be provided at each floor. Use rabbeted brick made with a lip to conceal the horizontal leg of the relieving angle or lintel angle.

D.3.2 Drywall Interior Partitions: Where metal-stud and drywall partitions are acceptable for use, studs of at least 0.91 mm metal gauge, 90 mm in depth, and spaced at 400 mm oncenter shall receive first consideration for use. Where NFPA standards and construction drawings permit stopping full height partitions at the ceiling suspension system, provide lateral bracing at the top of all partitions that exceed 2 850 mm in height. Partitions of lesser overall height shall be securely anchored to a stable ceiling suspension system. Fasten the top track of the stud system to the ceiling suspension components at 600 mm on-center with #12 self-cutting screws. For partitions exceeding 2 850 mm, provide lateral bracing at a 45 to 60 degree angle above the ceiling at a maximum spacing of 1 800 mm. For a brace length of up to 1 800 mm, provide a 30 mm x 30 mm x 3 mm steel angle. Bracing locations must be coordinated, prior to installation, with all other items and services that will be located above the ceiling.

To provide greater flexibility for future installations of wall-hung shelves, bookcases, and cabinetry, provide internal reinforcing when the partitions are constructed. Provide 100 mm wide, at least 1.33 mm metal gauge sheet-metal strips, placed horizontally on both sides of the studs for the full length of the partition. Anchor the strips to each stud with two #12 screws. Install the top edge of these metal strips at the following heights:

• 150 mm and 300 mm above the finished floor to provide a fastening opportunity for vertical-support standards for the utility ledge.
• 765 mm above the finished floor to provide a fastening opportunity to anchor the steel angle at the back edge of the seated height countertops.
• 1 000 mm above the finished floor to provide a fastening opportunity to anchor the steel angle at the back edge of the standing height countertops.
• 1 200 mm above the floor to provide a fastening opportunity to anchor the wire mold.
• 1 700 mm above the floor to provide a fastening opportunity for the bottom angle that supports wall cabinets. This assumes that the bottom of the 800 mm-tall wall cabinets will be located 1 725 mm above the floor, and the cabinets will be supported as described in the Anchorage of Shelving and Wall Cabinets paragraph below. This location also allows shelf-bracket vertical-support standards to be anchored when it is not possible to anchor them to metal studs.
• 2 500 mm above the floor to provide a fastening opportunity to anchor the steel angle at the top of the 800 mm-tall wall cabinets. This location also allows shelf-bracket verticalsupport standards to be anchored when it is not possible to anchor them to metal studs.

The designer must verify that the above assumptions agree with program requirements and the casework or shelving system proposed. Mounting dimensions shall be adjusted accordingly to coordinate with the systems proposed. At a minimum, provide the general reinforcing layout referenced above to accommodate current and future installations. Because fastening to wire studs in partitions is very difficult, they shall not be used for any NIH projects.

D.3.3 Anchorage of Shelving and Wall Cabinets: The following requirements apply to installation of shelving and wall cabinets on drywall-faced metal stud partition systems only.D.3.3.1 Anchorage of Shelving: Anchorage of vertical standards carrying shelving brackets shall be capable of safely carrying a fully loaded wall of shelving. A fully loaded wall of shelving consists of a top shelf no higher than 2 300 mm above the floor with shelves spaced 330 mm apart below the top shelf all the way to the floor or countertop. Each shelf must be capable of supporting a minimum design load of 3.8 kg per 100 mm of shelf length. A fully loaded wall assumes all shelves are loaded to capacity. Anchorage for shelving carrying equipment that exceeds the 3.8 kg per 100 mm of shelf length loading must be designed for the specific application.

D.3.3.2 Anchorage of Cabinets: The construction drawings must indicate how wall cabinets and base cabinets will be attached to the partitions. Cabinet installation must be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Where cabinets with backs and a hidden 20 mm recess are used, a satisfactory mounting method is to provide solid or slotted 40 x 65 mm horizontal steel angles, minimum 1.9 mm metal gauge. The angles are installed with the long legs vertical and with the short leg projecting from the wall to support the cabinet. The bottom angle is installed with the long leg directed up (to be hidden behind the cabinet) and is anchored to every metal wall stud with washers and two #12 metal-cutting screws, such as Hilti Metal-to-Metal #4 Point #12-24x2 HWH #4 STLG screws having 40 mm of thread length. The top angle, with the long leg directed down, is placed at the level of the top of the wall cabinet, and the vertical leg is anchored to the studs in the same manner as indicated above. The cabinet is slipped between the two angles, and #12 screws at 300 mm on-center are screwed downward 300 mm from the back of the cabinet into the hidden cabinet recess to anchor the top of the cabinet to the angle. Similarly, from underneath, #12 screws at 300 mm on-center are screwed upward 10 mm from the back of the cabinet into the hidden cabinet recess to anchor the bottom of the cabinet to the angle.

D.3.4 Wood Shelving (Lumber and Facing Materials): Shelves provided within NIH facilities should be either exposed solid wood or plastic laminate-faced. Strength-equivalent wood composed of shorter lengths of the species that is finger-jointed to make a board is acceptable when they have faces that are equal to B and better – 1 and 2 Clear. Other core and facing materials may be required for specialized applications.

D.3.4.1 Exposed Solid Wood Shelving Lumber: Lumber shall meet or exceed the Western Lumber Grading Rules as published by the Western Wood Products Association, Portland, Oregon, latest edition, modified as indicated below. Lumber shelving shall be chosen from the following species:

• Ponderosa pine
• Sugar pine
• Idaho white pine (choice)
• Engelmann spruce
• Alpine fir
• Lodgepole pine
• Douglas fir

Shelving material shall be “C Select” or better grade, 32 mm nominal thickness by 300 mm nominal width, surfaced four sides to 32 mm thick (+1.5 mm, -3.0 mm) by 285 mm wide (+1.5 mm, -3.0 mm) by 3 000 mm and longer. Four edges shall be eased (rounded) full length, or two edges of one narrow side, full length.

Grading rules for the above Exposed Solid Wood Shelving Lumber species (“Characteristics and Limiting Provisions,” for a 3 000 mm length) are:

Medium stained wood in an occasional piece covering one-third of the face.

• Small, well-scattered seasoning checks on the surface
• Very light torn or raised grain
• Light skip on one edge
• Very light cup

Any one of the following characteristics:

• Two small, sound, tight knots
• A small pitch streak
• Two very small pockets

D.3.4.2 Plastic Laminate-Faced (PLF) Shelves: Plastic laminate-faced shelves shall be constructed of a core material that is a minimum of 30 mm thick. Shelving shall be faced on all sides and edge banded, including concealed edges. Core material should be highdensity fiberboard or other suitable core material for the intended size and purpose.

D.3.4.3 Shelving Support Spacing: 30 mm solid wood and 30 mm plastic laminate-faced shelves shall be supported to a maximum of 1 200 mm spacing. Cantilevered shelves shall be limited to spans of 300 mm.

D.3.5 Wall-Mounted and Peninsula Shelving: The typical depth of shelves is 305 mm. Shelving depths may not exceed 450 mm. Depths greater than 305 mm are permitted providing the shelf support spacing is designed for the increased depth. In no case shall the spacing between vertical supports exceed 1 200 mm. The cantilevered distance between the last support and the end of the shelf shall be no greater than 305 mm. Staggered-depth shelves (top shelf deeper than lower shelves) are permitted. Fire sprinkler placement relative to shelving must be in accordance with criteria contained in General Design Guidelines, Section: Fire Protection. These design standards also apply to shelving installed as a component of a laboratory casework system. For maximum mounting heights of shelving and required clearances between shelving and sprinkler heads, see General Design Guidelines, Section: Fire Protection.

D.3.6 Selection and Use of Anchors: A variety of anchor types are indicated for use in various applications.

D.3.6.1 Metal Expansion Anchors: This type of anchor consists of a stud with a steel sleeve that expands when the nut is tightened. It must be used in a solid concrete substrate meeting the manufacturer’s minimum thickness. Install anchors in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Fastener spacing, embedment, edge distance, and strength of the concrete substrate must be considered. Equipment and drill bits provided by the manufacturer or recommended by the manufacturer must be used. Holes shall be drilled with sharp, carbide-tipped drill bits. Drill bits must be changed frequently enough to ensure that accurate-diameter holes are drilled. If reinforcing bars are encountered while drilling, a new hole must be drilled in a different location. Do not cut existing reinforcing without first consulting the structural engineer for the project.

D.3.6.2 Adhesive Anchors in a Solid Base Substrate: This type of anchor consists of a steel stud that is chemically bonded to the base material. It must be used in a solid concrete substrate and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s printed instructions. A properly sized hole is drilled in the concrete, and a measured amount of adhesive, such as epoxy or vinylester resin, is inserted, followed by the steel stud. Load can be applied after the adhesive sets, chemically bonding the anchor to the concrete. Fastener spacing, embedment, edge distance, exposure to chemicals, fatigue loading, and strength of the concrete substrate must be taken into account. Equipment and drill bits provided or recommended by the manufacturer shall be used.

D.3.6.3 Screen-Tube Adhesive Anchors in a Hollow-Base Substrate: This type of anchor consists of a steel stud that is keyed into hollow base material such as CMUs and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s printed instructions. A properly sized hole is drilled into the CMU, and a screen tube is inserted into the hole and filled with adhesive, followed by the steel stud. The stud forces the adhesive out of the screen tube, keying the anchor into the CMU face shell.

D.3.6.4 Anchors With Plastic Sleeves Expanded by Sheet Metal Screws: These anchors depend upon a screw expanding a plastic sleeve against the sides of a hole. These anchors are often used to attach items with a weight no greater than 4.5 kg to a masonry substrate. Greater loads will cause the screw to deform the plastic anchor and release the load. Anchors with plastic sleeves expanded by sheet metal screws shall not be used to anchor shelving, shelving standards, or cabinets to walls.

D.3.6.5 Metal-Impact Expansion Anchors: These anchors rely on an accurately sized hole, placement of the anchor (composed of a sleeve and a nail), and a hit with a hammer to make the nail expand the sleeve against the sides of the hole. These anchors shall not be used in a tension-loading condition, as they will slide out of the sleeve. These anchors are approved only for 4.5 kg maximum shear loads.

D.3.6.6 Toggle Bolts: Toggle bolts rely on a spring-loaded or expanding part to key the anchor to the back of a hollow wall or ceiling. Toggle bolts may be used to attach items to hollow CMU units, assuming a 9 kg maximum load per toggle bolt. Toggle bolts shall not be used as structural fasteners in drywall, as they are not designed to provide structural restraint for anchors against pullout or shear.

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D.4 Interior Elements

D.4.1 Finishes and Materials: The interior design for a facility should be developed as a complete and coordinated part of the building design, expressing both the functional and aesthetic needs of the user. Finish materials are what the user and visitor sees, touches, and walks on and therefore produce an immediate impact. All interior components and their related construction details, finishes, and products shall be based on the anticipated use, engineering limitations, fire and other health and safety requirements, applicable codes and regulations, life-cycle costs, housekeeping and maintenance costs, durability, aseptic characteristics, and the appropriateness of the particular material or combination of materials to the environment being created.

Color selection is an important element of the building’s interior and exterior design. Color selection should be coordinated with the quality and quantity of light provided in each space. Colors and patterns should be selected with regard to their effect on the maintainability and function of the space as well as their impact on the health and welfare of the people who will be using the space. The range of interior and exterior colors should be made from a limited palette to facilitate maintenance and coordinate with all finishes, furnishings, and accessories. Lighter colors with improved light reflectivity characteristics should be used to the greatest extent possible to improve functional lighting levels. Matte surface finishes should be provided where glare from a high-gloss finish would be functionally disruptive. Color selections shall be made by the designer and incorporated and coordinated throughout the contract documents for the project.

The interior designer is required to make selections of finishes, materials, furniture, and products from the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule. Current GSA contract schedules must be verified with each manufacturer prior to specifying items. The designer must consider the expiration dates of those contracts to ensure availability of the product at the anticipated time when product ordering is to occur. Contract documents shall be developed to require a submittal of all manufacturer’s information about the installation instructions, flammability ratings, static and acoustic characteristics, and recommended maintenance and stain-removal techniques for all interior finishes and materials.

D.4.2 Floors: Floors shall be designed to accommodate different types of wheeled conveyances and shall be devoid of abrupt changes in elevation. Avoid raised thresholds, steps, and ramps. Recess all expansion joint cover plates flush with the finished floor. Provide floor depressions to accommodate specialized equipment including, but not limited to, cart and tunnel washers, floor loading sterilizers, walk-in refrigerators and freezers, controlled-temperature rooms, computer rooms, high-density shelving, and other embedded equipment. Consideration must be given to radiographic electrical floor ducts. In developing a finish schedule for floor coverings, the interior designer’s selections should be influenced by an understanding of the specific use of the particular area. It is important that selections strike a balance among functional, aesthetic, and related cost requirements. Other design considerations must include observation of existing wear and/or damage patterns, the kind of equipment to be used in the area, the effect of wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and crutches, and the necessity for biological levels of sanitation.

Floor flatness (F_F) and floor levelness (F_L) numbers shall be specified when the installations of finish materials, functional conditions, or equipment dictate tight control of concrete slab substrates.

Additional information is provided below for materials requiring specific guidance.

D.4.2.1 Carpet: The carpet assembly (modular tile or broadloom carpet and padding) must comply with all flammability requirements outlined in applicable codes. The quality of carpet proposed for a facility must be based on several factors, including resistance to wear, soiling, and staining. When carpet is used in corridors adjacent to building entrances, walkoff mats shall be provided to extend the life of the carpet installation. Carpet colors should be chosen for their ability to mask soiling to prolong the carpet’s appearance. Small irregular patterns and tweeds help mask soiling. Avoid using geometric patterns in high-traffic areas such as corridors, as these designs may emphasize soiling patterns. Carpet shall also be selected on the basis of the requirements necessary to comply with accessibility guidelines.

Carpet should not be provided in personnel break areas and food preparation areas. While the use of carpet is discouraged in food consumption areas, its aesthetic and acoustical benefits shall be evaluated against sanitation requirements before it is selected for use. If selected for food consumption areas, specify antimicrobial compositions.

D.4.2.2 Resinous Epoxy Flooring Materials: A water vapor transmission test is required for all projects at the NIH prior to installing resinous epoxy flooring materials to any concrete substrate. The moisture test shall follow the procedures outlined in ASTM F 1869 Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate in Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride. Concrete substrates shall have a maximum moisture-vapor emission rate of 1.36 kg of water per 92.9 m² in 24 hours, unless otherwise recommended by the flooring manufacturer prior to the installation of any epoxy flooring materials. Substrate preparation and testing requirements are further outlined in NIH Division 9 Specification Section: “Resinous Flooring.”

D.4.2.3 Slip-Resistant Surfaces: In addition to code requirements to provide slip-resistant ground and floor surfaces, provide slip-resistant floor surfaces in all shower stalls. Slipresistant floor surfaces should also be provided in all locations where the floor is subject to moisture or water.

D.4.3 Wall Treatments: Selection of wall treatments shall be based on the functional use and purpose of the area, as well as any infection control and chemical resistance requirements. The selection of materials and finishes shall create a non-institutional appearance. Sound control and acoustical properties within the area shall be considered when material selection is made. All materials must conform to applicable codes and standards.

D.4.3.1 Fabric Finish Materials: All interior fabric finish materials shall be selected from major fabric sources and must be fire retardant or chemically treated for fire resistance.

D.4.3.2 Wall Coverings: There shall be no double hanging of wall coverings. The designer shall inspect the substrate to determine the need for any liners or other appropriate treatment to the substrate prior to the installation of the wall finish, and include appropriate requirements in the contract documents. Edge beads shall be provided where needed.

D.4.3.3 Multicolored Paint Coatings: The use of multicolored paint coatings may be more cost-effective than wall coverings and can enhance maintenance. The designer must consider the area to which they are to be applied, since these coatings often contain volatile organic compound bases that require special installation methods. Adequate ventilation must be provided during installation and during the cure period. The designer must also consider the ease with which touchup can be done and whether the area is subject to high traffic and/or abuse before selecting this finish.

D.4.4 Ceiling Treatments: Ceiling treatments should be evaluated by the designer considering initial cost, accessibility, acoustics, resistance to moisture, fire-resistance rating, aesthetics, security, and maintenance. Coordination with lighting fixtures, access panels, sprinklers, diffusers, and fire alarm devices shall be considered during design.

D.4.4.1 Lay-in ceiling tile: Unless otherwise stated, all ceiling tiles shall be the NIH standard. Lay out ceiling tiles symmetrically so that tiles and grid members retain modular dimensions. The ceiling surface shall not be used for the direct support of anything. All ceiling-mounted items shall be secured through the ceiling to secondary support members. Heavy equipment and equipment tracks shall be securely suspended from independent structural assemblies attached directly to the structural floor and framing members overhead. When acoustic treatment is required in the presence of high levels of moisture, Mylar-faced acoustic tiles shall be used. Maximum accessibility in corridor ceilings to the mechanical and electrical distribution systems above shall be provided. Do not use concealed-spline ceiling systems requiring special tools to lower tile assemblies. Access panels into ceiling plenums shall be color-coded with tabs to identify the type of utility present.

D.4.5 Window Treatments: A window treatment is an important element in the overall design solution. Successful window treatment choices must satisfy both functional and aesthetic requirements for the space. Draperies and blinds are acceptable choices for interior window treatments. During predesign programming, the interior designer must be involved with the project development to determine the types of window treatments necessary. Elements such as the direction of the source of natural light; the effects of natural light on the user throughout the day; requirements for filtering, blocking, or redirecting light; the effect of natural light in fading of fabrics; the requirements for use of a video monitor, and so on must be considered. Drapery and window treatments shall be coordinated with heating and air conditioning to avoid interference with designed airflows.

D.4.5.1 Drapery Fabric: To standardize and reduce the number of drapery fabrics, the designer shall select no more than two neutrals per building. For existing buildings, standardization is an ongoing process. The designer must coordinate proposed fabrics with those existing within the building in areas being renovated. The Project Officer will provide information on existing fabrics before final selection is made. Drapery fabrics are available on GSA Federal Supply Schedules. The designer must select from current products available on GSA schedules and consider contract expiration dates in anticipation of future ordering dates.

D.4.5.2 Blinds: Aluminum blinds may also be used as an interior window treatment. Blind slat depth shall be coordinated with the window frame profile when inside mount units are planned. Neutral colors (black, beige, brushed aluminum, etc.) that will not stand out when viewed from the exterior of the building are preferred to colors that complement the interior palette. On new buildings, one color shall be used throughout the building. Windows with integral blinds should be evaluated in addition to the installation of interior-mounted blinds.

D.4.6 Vision Panels (Lites) in Doors: Vision panels should be provided in all doors where someone could be struck by a door opened suddenly from the opposite side. Specifically, all doors crossing corridors or enclosing stairways shall be provided with vision panels. Individual offices, laboratories, or spaces where privacy may be needed do not require vision panels but may have translucent glass panels to admit light without permitting vision. Other spaces may have vision panels when coordinated with user requirements. Vision panels shall not be provided in doors to toilets, bedrooms, and examination rooms. There is usually no limit to the size of a vision panel in a door unless it is a rated fire or smoke-barrier door. In rated fire and smoke-barrier doors, vision panel size, placement, and glazing materials are required to comply with minimum NFPA requirements.

The dimension from the latch edge of the door to the nearest edge of the vision panel shall comply with minimum NFPA requirements, regardless of whether the door is required to be fire/smoke rated or not. These measurements are to the visible glass edge and not to the edge of the opening, which is cut in the door. In the case where the door with a vision panel is limited in size to 64 500 mm², a 100 by 645 mm vision panel shall be used. Where panic hardware is installed on a door and the lower edge of the vision panel is below the mounting height of the panic hardware, glass shall be safety glazed.

D.4.7 Room Numbering, Interior Signage, and Graphics: The ORF Division of Facilities Planning (DFP) determines the room-numbering system for the identification of all spaces. This room-numbering system must be incorporated into the design beginning in the design development phases so that all components are coordinated with the building’s final room numbers. The architect/engineer (A/E) shall coordinate with the DFP to obtain guidance on the room-numbering system and shall submit plans to DFP for review and approval prior to the beginning of construction documents.

D.4.7.1 Signage: All interior signage shall comply with guidelines as defined in the NIH Interior Signage Users Manual. Interior signage and artwork in Building 10 shall coordinate with the Clinical Center Art and Signage Program. All interior and exterior signage shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).

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D.5 Equipment and Furnishings

Equipment plans shall be developed as a building system and shall be integrated with the planning of architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical systems. Equipment shall be arranged and organized so as to provide adequate circulation, workflow, and maintenance clearances.

D.5.1 Laboratory Casework: Basic components of built-in, fixed casework shall follow the NIH Laboratory Casework Specifications, which are available from the NIH Project Officer. To facilitate reconfigurations of casework and functional areas, casework layouts should consider a combination of fixed and moveable/modular components. This combination of casework systems simplifies and facilitates reconfigurations in the future.

D.5.2 Workstations: In addition to following standard design procedures for product and component selection, particular attention shall be paid to providing supplementary space outside the workstations for general, shared use (i.e., conference, library, fax, copier, or other related equipment). All power, telephone, and computer outlets shall be provided well in advance of the furniture installation to give technical installers time to provide necessary services. Installation followup by the designer is vital to the overall success of the project. Documentation must include, but is not limited to, scaled drawings that indicate panel and component locations, accessories, and a seating and component list of parts. This is necessary for future reconfiguration of workstations.

The interior designer must coordinate design decisions with A/Es of the design team to resolve such issues as telephone, electrical, local area networks, and ventilation. It is recommended that systems workstation design be in generic form since procurement regulations presently require presentation to Unicor (Federal Prisons Industry) for its review, production, or waiver.

D.5.2.1 Interior Finish Requirements for Prefabricated Furniture Panels: The flame spread requirements of the NFPA Life Safety Code^® are to be applied to prefabricated panel furniture systems when such panels are ceiling high or extend sufficiently close to the ceiling so that the larger space divided by the panels is considered to be multiple rooms. The flame spread requirements of the NFPA Life Safety Code^® are not to be applied to prefabricated panel furniture systems when the top of the panels is greater than 450 mm from the finished ceiling. The application of flame spread requirements to prefabricated furniture panels does not override any requirements concerning the combustibility of the panels as may be governed by other standards.

D.5.3 Catalog Cut Sheets and Equipment Groups: A catalog cut sheet shall be provided for all items of equipment having a logistical grouping of 1 and for any Group 2 and 3 items having unique utility requirements and structural support or space requirements. The following are definitions of equipment by logistical groupings:

Group 1: Contractor furnished, contractor installed
Group 2: Government furnished, contractor installed
Group 3: Government furnished, government installed
Group 4: Movable equipment and furnishings

D.5.4 Layout and Clearances: Equipment shall be arranged to provide service clearances and maintenance access with minimum disruption to work spaces. When expansion is anticipated in a project, the designer shall allow for the addition of equipment without disruption or reconfiguration of workflow in the layout of sterilizing and sanitizing equipment spaces, or any other spaces affected by the addition.

D.5.5 Floor Preparation: Floor depressions shall be provided to accommodate cart washers, floor-loading sterilizers, radiographic electrical raceways, environmentally controlled room equipment, walk-in refrigerators, audiometric suites, computer rooms, highdensity shelving, and any other appropriate space except in laboratory spaces where future flexibility is a requirement.

D.5.6 Structural Support: Wall-partitioning systems shall be adequately reinforced for the installation of all wall-hung fixtures and equipment such as toilet accessories, physical therapy equipment, radiographic equipment, and hanging supply carts. All fixed equipment shall be mounted to resist seismic forces in accordance with seismic criteria for the region in which the project is being constructed.

D.5.7 Recessed Equipment: Where sanitation or aseptic requirements dictate, equipment shall be flush, wall-recessed, or through-wall types to the greatest extent possible.

D.5.8 Special Ventilation Requirements for Equipment: Control of ventilation for employee working environments must be provided in accordance with the latest edition of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Dust and debris collection systems shall be provided for locations where dust and debris are generated. Exterior air supply, exhaust with filtration, and dust containers must be provided.

D.5.9 Equipment Specifications: The A/E shall develop equipment specifications for all equipment to be procured for the project. Where an NIH Specification Section is available, it shall be tailored into a project-specific section. All equipment specifications should permit procurement of the latest model of equipment from manufacturers through GSA contracts to the greatest extent possible. Specifications should indicate that the manufacturer has a minimum appropriate level of production experience to preclude the procurement of equipment with untested technologies. Equipment specifications shall fully address the scope of services to be provided by all parties involved in installing government-furnished, contractor-installed equipment.

D.5.10 Sterilizing Equipment: Because of the nuances and specialties in sterilizing equipment, the use of an equipment consultant with knowledge of sterilizing equipment is recommended. Particular emphasis should be placed on the selection of ethylene oxide sterilizers because of codes and changing regulatory requirements. All proposed ethylene oxide sterilizer applications shall be discussed with, and reviewed and approved by, the NIH Division of Safety.

D.5.11 Dental Equipment: Various models of dental radiographic units require different structural wall supports. When two or more units are installed in the same room, a single control unit shall be used when feasible.

D.5.12 High-Technology Equipment: The planning for and inclusion of new or unique medical and scientific technology, such as linear accelerators, positron emission tomography, and lithotripsy, may require special consultants. The design shall be developed to reflect the equipment selection, as well as recommendations and guidance of the respective manufacturers.

D.5.13 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Facilities: The planning, design, and installation of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system in a facility requires extreme care to ensure that the magnet is sufficiently isolated from ferromagnetic and radio frequency influences of the impacted environment and that the surrounding environment is isolated from the effects of the magnetic field. Selection of the proper location for the magnet is extremely important and shall be addressed in the earliest stages of planning and designing the MRI system. The specific guidance of the manufacturer of the selected equipment must be followed. Consultants should be used to verify specific requirements.

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D.6 Loading Docks

For additional requirements, see General Design Guidelines, Section: Site/Civil and Section: Pest Management. For requirements specific to loading docks in animal facilities, see the Animal Research Facilities volume.

D.6.1 Circulation Into and Within Buildings From Loading Docks: If possible, circulation access from within the building to the loading docks shall not be on a required means of emergency egress to enable after-hours security of the dock area. Loading docks shall not be a primary means of personnel passage into or out of a building. The primary reason to restrict pedestrian access at the loading dock is for dock safety and security vulnerabilities present in this area. Passageways leading from the loading dock to the freight elevator should be as direct as possible. Elevator lobbies and corridors adjacent to a loading dock should include provisions for installing wall-mounted pest exclusion devices such as insect light traps. All utility services necessary for this equipment shall be provided. Passageways in areas surrounding loading docks are subject to abuse and higher levels of wear and tear, and their design must be appropriately detailed and specified. All interior surfaces must be covered with materials that facilitate proper sanitation and ease of cleaning on a regular maintenance and disinfection schedule. Sealed concrete may be appropriate in some cases, or other hard surface flooring may be considered. Resinous epoxy floors may be considered depending on the location of the dock and building function.

Passageway walls must include dual-level protective bumpers installed at not less than 210 mm above finished floor level and at a height of 765 mm above finished floor level. All outside corners in passageways leading away from loading docks must be protected with metal wall edge guards. Wall, corner, and door guards must be of a durable type that stands up to impact (stainless steel or other metal) and thoroughly caulked and sealed when
installed to prevent harborage of vermin.

D.6.2 Doors: Passageway doors must be protected with bumpers. For safety reasons, doors must include vision panels (lites) glazed with safety glazing that allows passageway users to see traffic on the opposite side of the door. All interior and exterior doors in the area of loading docks shall be constructed of fiberglass-reinforced polyester (FRP). Personnel doors and door frames must provide an effective seal, when closed, to exclude insect and rodent pests.

Loading dock overhead doors shall be equipped with proper sweeps, gaskets, and brushes to exclude insects and rodent pests around the entire perimeter of the door. Doors should be equipped with air curtains or similar devices to exclude flying insects and to create a dust and dirt barrier when the receiving or personnel doors are opened.

See NIH Design Policy and Guidelines, Volume: Animal Research Facilities, for additional requirements specific to all loading dock doors in an animal facility.

D.6.3 Freight Elevators: A freight elevator must be available for delivery of materials to NIH customers located within the building. Entrance to freight elevators should be from the materials-handling passageway, and not from the building lobby. The elevator cab finish materials shall facilitate proper sanitation and ease of cleaning. These materials must be durable enough to withstand intense industrial use and regular cleaning.

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D.7 Mail Cluster Box and Drop Box Systems

D.7.1 Mail Cluster Boxes: The Division of Support Services (DSS) requires the use of mail cluster boxes in lieu of door-to-door mail services as part of all major renovation and new construction projects and as part of acquiring new lease space. These units will be used for delivery of mail to NIH customers in the building. Mail cluster boxes must be installed at a ratio of one per every 50 building occupants. Mail cluster boxes should be centralized in the building lobby but may be decentralized to a single location on each building floor when approved by the DSS. Cluster boxes must be wall-mounted, front-loading units with rear covers. Wall-mounted cluster boxes must be thoroughly secured to the building structure. Each unit must be not less than 288 mm wide, 305 mm high, and 407 mm deep. Each cluster box must be marked with self-adhesive numbers to identify the recipient’s mail stop code (MSC), which will be directed by the DSS. The construction of cluster boxes must meet or exceed U.S. Postal Service (USPS) specifications. Each cluster box door must be secured with a cylinder cam lock, each keyed individually and master-keyed for DSS use. Three keys must be provided for each cluster box. The exterior surface of cluster boxes should not detract from building aesthetics. Exceptions to style/type cluster boxes (electronic, rotary, rear loading, etc.), occupant/box ratio, and location of mail cluster boxes may be granted by DSS when thoroughly justified and warranted.

D.7.2 Mail Drop Boxes: Two secured mail drop boxes are required at each mail cluster box bank to support outgoing mail services; the first one will be used for outgoing interoffice mail, and the second for outgoing USPS official domestic and foreign mail. Drop boxes should be wall-mounted, front-loading units and have a rear cover. The interior of these mail drop boxes should be sized not less than 458 mm wide, 762 mm high, and 458 mm deep.
Each drop box must have a mail slot protected with a gravity or spring-loaded flap sized not less than 381 mm wide and 102 mm high. These drop boxes must be secured with cylinder cam locks and be master-keyed (two keys required) for DSS use. Drop box construction must meet or exceed USPS specifications. At each location, one box must be marked “Interoffice Mail,” and the other marked “Official Mail.” The exterior surface of these drop boxes should not detract from building aesthetics.

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D.8 Door Hardware

Door hardware and keying throughout NIH facilities has been standardized to the greatest extent possible to facilitate rapid changes when occupants or missions change within a building or area. For additional information related to door hardware and security, see General Design Guidelines, Section: Security.

D.8.1 Reviews of Key System: The Division of Public Safety (DPS) Locksmith Section provides specific information on the keying requirements for all NIH projects. The key system design for all projects that include new doors or projects in which hardware is being changed on existing doors must be submitted for concurrent review to the DPS Locksmith Section, the Fire Prevention Section, and the Police Branch. These organizations provide input on the extent of expansion to the NIH cardkey system and mode of operation of the fail-safe/secure doors. This coordination must be completed prior to submitting the final hardware schedule to the Project Officer for any project.

D.8.2 Key System and Keying: Final keying requirements will be determined by the NIH locksmith and must be incorporated into the project by the A/E. The key and lock system shall be based on several levels of master keys. Grand masters and great-grand masters shall be provided for functional zones and modules. The NIH shall be provided with the following keys: 1 master key; 2 change keys per cylinder and 1 extra blank for each lock; and a minimum of 500 key blanks and key bitting chart.

D.8.2.1 Cores: Temporary construction cores shall be provided during the construction period and must be removed by the construction contractor when directed. All permanent cores shall have collars. Permanent cores and final keys shall be turned over to the Project Officer for delivery to the DPS Locksmith Section.

D.8.3 Doors (Part of a Required Means of Egress): Doors to the exterior of a building that are also used as part of a means of egress (exit) must be readily operated from the interior of the building. When security devices are to be provided on egress doors, they may be designed as “fail safe” or “fail secure.” The fail-safe mode provides for unlocking the door in the event of loss of electrical power. The fail-secure mode is used in critical areas to ensure that the door locks (secures) in the event of electrical power loss. The determination on whether the device will be fail safe or fail secure will be made by the Police Branch (Support Service Section) and Emergency Management Branch (Fire Prevention Section), Division of Public Safety, with input from the users. This also applies to doors that are part of secure boundaries for interior areas of the building. Locking hardware on exterior doors must be compatible with, or capable of being connected to, the existing NIH access control system.

D.8.3.1 Mortise Locksets and Lockset Trim: All interior doors shall be equipped with mortise locksets unless fire codes dictate otherwise. Mortise locksets shall be Series 1000, Grade 1, manufactured by Corbin Russwin or Schlage. All lockset trim shall have lever handles with a return to within 13 mm of the door face. The NIH standard lockset trim shall match the Corbin Russwin model “Newport” for all facilities except Building 10, which shall match Corbin Russwin model “Lustra.”

D.8.3.2 Lockset Cylinders: All lockset cylinders for new facilities at the NIH shall be a highsecurity type by Schlage or Medeco. For renovations, all locks shall be keyed into the same system used on the existing building. Key-in-knob hardware is not permitted at the NIH.

D.8.3.2.1 Pin: The number of pins provided in high-security cylinders will vary by manufacturer. The number of pins standard for the manufacturer shall be provided.

D.8.4 Exit Devices: All NIH facilities utilize mortise style Von Duprin exit devices throughout.

D.8.5 Closers: All NIH facilities utilize LCN closers throughout.